Chenier was raised in Edmonton, Alberta, where his father Richard Chenier, a painter, was a professor of fine arts at the University of Alberta. He remembers making many visits with his father to the various studios on the university campus, as well as his father’s own expansive studios located in various converted brick commercial warehouses.

Chenier graduated university with a degree in philosophy. Together with his wife Kate, he ran several businesses and raised a family. He also became a self-taught software developer. It was only once their children grew older and more independent that Chenier took up the paintbrush. He has been painting the landscapes of the North from Cambridge Bay since moving there in 2005. “It took about six months for my eyes to start to understand what was to me a very alien landscape,” said Chenier. “I find now that I am inspired by the massiveness of the northern landscape in contrast to the very miniscule human footprint.”

“Living in Cambridge Bay has been awesome on many levels,” adds Chenier. “It has been great for our whole family because of the cultural and career opportunities, the world experience, the travel and being so close to the land.” Chenier’s aim in painting is to express the spirit of that which is unmistakably Arctic and, to achieve that, he works to find a balance between abstract art and realism. He regards his father, who also lived in Cambridge Bay for a time, as his mentor. “I’d also like to express my deep thanks to my wife Kate, who is my best friend and ardent supporter in all our endeavours.”  

 “We are excited to feature the work of such a fine artist on our Nunavut cover this year,” said Mark Walker, Northwestel Vice President, Business Solutions. “We had a wonderful array of artwork submitted to our annual directory artwork competition. It was a delight to have so much to choose from. There is such an incredible amount of talent in the North and by including a unique northern work of art on each of our directory covers, we can bring art into the homes and offices of everyone across our operating area. Northwestel is proud to offer the cover of our three directories as a showcase for northern artists.”

Each year, Northwestel invites artists from all across the North to submit their work to be considered for use on the covers of its three directories in the NWT, Nunavut and Northern British Columbia/Yukon. The company is already inviting artists to make submissions to its competition for the 2012-2013 directory covers. The deadline for entries is September 16^th of this year. For more information, go to www.nwtel.ca, and then click on In The Community and Directory Cover Art.

In 2010, Northwestel contributed more than $600,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups. Throughout its history, Northwestel has played a key role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North. Northwestel is recognized as a key contributor to the well-being of northern communities through its community investment program and the volunteer contributions of its employees.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions and entertainment services in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. The company’s operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.